This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a refreshing blend of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and tasty herbs. Perfect for warm days, it’s light yet filling!
I love tossing this salad together because it’s so easy! Just grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken and mix in your favorite veggies. It’s a fantastic meal without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a time-saver! You can use any pre-cooked chicken. If you’re avoiding meat, consider chickpeas or grilled tofu for a protein boost.
Mixed Greens: While a mix of spinach and arugula works well, any greens like romaine or kale are also great. Just remember, kale might need a good massage with the dressing to soften it up!
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but canned corn saves time too. You can also use frozen corn; just thaw it beforehand. For an extra flavor kick, try grilled corn!
Avocado: A fresh avocado adds creaminess, but you can substitute with diced mango or a splash of olive oil if you’re avoiding avocado.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor, but goat cheese or even crumbled tofu can work if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Pickled Red Onions: These give a nice tang. If you don’t have them, regular red onions can be used, but soak them in vinegar for a quick pickling effect.
How Do I Make My Salad Dressing Even Better?
Making your own salad dressing can elevate your salad. If you want to enhance your balsamic vinaigrette, here’s a simple twist:
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil (3:1 ratio), a pinch of salt, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Add chopped herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor!
- For creaminess, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Remember to taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking and enjoy the process!
How to Make Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (or your preferred dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you want to let the flavors mix together, you can refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 40 minutes if you wish to chill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In the bowl, combine the mixed greens with the shredded rotisserie chicken. This will be the base of your salad that’s packed with flavor and protein!
2. Add the Tasty Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to get colorful! Add the corn kernels, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced almonds to the bowl. Each of these ingredients brings a unique taste and crunch to the salad!
3. Dress Your Salad:
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Now you’ll want to gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Take your time to mix—it makes a big difference!
4. Season and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking to make it perfect. Serve your fresh salad immediately for the best flavor, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your refreshing summer salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use any cooked chicken. Grilled, poached, or even leftover baked chicken will work great. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
What Can I Substitute for Pickled Red Onions?
If you don’t have pickled red onions, you can use thinly sliced red onions soaked in a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for an hour as a quick alternative. Alternatively, fresh diced cucumbers or even diced bell peppers can add a nice crunch and freshness!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the avocado may brown, and the greens could wilt, so consider storing the components separately if possible. Dress the salad just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! This salad is versatile. You can add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
